Children’s Dentistry – We Love Children

Exceptional Care For Kids

Helping our patients achieve optimal oral health is our passion. We are committed to providing comprehensive dental care for infants, children, and adolescents. Dr. Acosta and her staff members believe each of our patients is important, and seek to fulfill your personal needs and desires. Our primary goal is the delivery of the highest quality of care to our patients in a comfortable and caring environment.

We believe early dental care can promote a lifetime of healthy smiles for your child, and we encourage your child to visit us by the age of 1. Our skilled and nurturing staff will provide a positive dental experience. To ensure that your child grows up with a healthy smile, we offer regular check-ups, sealants, and other necessary dental treatment.

Tooth Colored Fillings – Composite Bonding

Composite resins, or tooth-colored fillings, provide good durability and resistance to fracture in small- to mid-size fillings that need to withstand moderate pressure from the constant stress of chewing. They can be used on either front or back teeth. They are a good choice for people who prefer that their fillings look more natural.

Extractions

Extractions are done only as a last resort in the case of severe tooth decay. If a primary molar is removed prematurely, a space maintainer will be placed. A tooth can also be extracted if it is fractured badly beyond repair, or the child’s mouth is overcrowded with teeth. Apart from this, the specialist may also decide to take out one or more teeth to create room for shifting if the child is getting braces. Primary teeth are essential in maintaining the correct spacing in your child’s jaw for the permanent teeth.

Children have a hard time understanding an extraction procedure and the fear of surgery fills them with anxiety. Most youngsters regard this process as scary and will be worried about feeling pain. Our team works hard to reduce the anxiety and apprehension by educating the young patients and calming them down through normal sedation. After completing the procedure, parents are made aware of the cautions that should be taken to make the recovery process for the child quick and uncomplicated.

Pulpotomy

Pulp therapy (pulpotomy) is the treatment of infected nerves and blood vessels in teeth. Pulp therapy generally becomes necessary for two reasons: either as a result of extensive tooth decay (dental cavities) or as the result of tooth injury. Failure to provide the necessary pulp therapy could result in your child experiencing pain, infection, swelling, or loss of the tooth.

Many cavities may be so deep that they extend to the nerve, often causing pain and discomfort. When this happens, the infected part of the nerve must be removed. The remaining healthy nerve will be left intact and medicated. The purpose of a pulpotomy is to extend the life of the baby tooth, thereby avoiding the need for extraction and a space maintainer, until the eruption of the permanent tooth. In other words, the tooth can be preserved for chewing food and maintaining proper space for permanent teeth, as well as helping your child to preserve a healthy, happy smile.

Space Maintainers

Space maintainers are used when a primary tooth has been prematurely lost (or extracted) to hold space for the developing permanent tooth. If space is not maintained, teeth on either side of the extraction site can drift into the space and prevent the permanent tooth from erupting into its proper position. The space maintainer will be removed from your child’s mouth once his/her permanent tooth replacing the extracted tooth comes in.

Sealants

Sealants are thin, white plastic coatings that are applied to the tops or chewing surfaces of back teeth and are highly effective in preventing tooth decay. The naturally occurring pits and grooves on the chewing surfaces of teeth can often collect plaque. These small grooves and cracks are the most susceptible to cavities in children and teens and benefit the least from topical fluoride. Sealants and fluoride work together to help prevent tooth decay.

On average, sealants last for 5 to 10 years with proper maintenance. At every dental check-up, the dentist will check that the sealants are intact. In order to prolong the life of your child’s sealants, avoid crunchy foods and avoid chewing on ice and hard candy (i.e. Jolly Ranchers, Lifesavers, etc). Dr. Acosta will be happy to discuss the benefits with you.